A girl steps down from the stage after singing Wavin’ Flag by K’naan, a song that won the hearts of millions of fans glued to the screens during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Before singing, she makes a request to the audience, “If you all know it [the lyrics], please sing along.” Summer holidays are a great time to let children explore their creative freedom. One of the best ways is to let them be, and witness them nurture their imagination in their rooms at their own pace. Another is to encourage them to share spaces with others who, like them, are unburdened by the pressure of school during the break. This is where open mics come in. They create a non-competitive environment, not defined by the rigidity of rules. Supporting this idea, Dorangos, a Bandra performance space, will host a series of such sessions for children each weekend throughout May. “Parents had been reaching out to us, asking us if we wanted to do open mics for a younger audience, since it could really help boost their children’s confidence,” says Duran Pereira, manager of the venue. A young rapper shares his poem at the venue The thought of not putting a cap on the age range, with the youngest performers being five years old, is inviting, too. It opens up possibilities for creative collaborations among friends and siblings. “We’ve seen a girl singing on stage with her elder sister, who was about 20, playing the guitar for her,” Pereira adds, recalling a session they had organised a few months ago. Children will be able to experiment with poetry, dance, music — any form of creative arts that they’re willing to try. The stage has also witnessed a little rapper delighting the audience with his poem, Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Go to School. Another beautiful thing about these sessions is that there are recordings provided to the parents of the performers after the show; these moments become accumulated memories that the children will look back on many years from now and cherish for years after. On: May 5; 5 pm onwardsAt: Hall 2, Dorangos, 5 AA, above Fitness Freakz, near Macronal Compound, Pali Hill, Bandra West. Log on to: in.bookmyshow.comCost: Rs 100 onwards (for entry and registration)
04 May,2024 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaEven if period dramas aren’t your thing, it’s hard not to be awestruck by the extravagant costumes worn by the stunning cast in director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s new series, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Designed by Rimple and Harpreet Narula, the show’s outfits evoke luxuriance and a maximalist aura that, although reminiscent of the 1920s, elicits longing sighs from lovers of contemporary fashion. We reached out to stylist Khushboo Mishra for some practical suggestions to add a touch of that diamond sparkle inspired by the show’s brand of courtesan-core to your festive and traditional looks. Sonakshi Sinha wears a silk saree with embellishments that represents a slightly restrained take on this aesthetic A heritage throwback “Heeramandi’s aesthetics are characterised by opulence, intricate details and vibrant colours. The silhouettes, textiles, and artwork reflect a fusion of Mughal, Persian and Indian influences, creating a rich tapestry of cultural motifs and designs. Lavish patterns, luxurious fabrics such as silk and velvet, and elaborate craftsmanship convey a sense of grandeur,” Mishra explains. Sinha’s velvet and zardozi embroidery come together for a rich and refined period look She adds that the distinctive maximalism of these looks is achieved through brocade and embroidered elements, and by accentuating the outfits with elaborate jewellery. Further, the use of distinctive motifs ranging from floral patterns to geometric designs adds to the outfits’ period appeal. Khushboo Mishra Elegant extravagance The simplest way to imbibe the Heeramandi aesthetic is with a saree that features intricate zari work reminiscent of Mughal art. Mishra suggests accessorising these with a statement Kundan necklace. Alternatively, you could pair a solid-coloured salwar-kurta or co-ord set with a vibrant dupatta that has Persian-inspired patterns. Set off this outfit against a fabric clutch featuring elaborate motifs and heavy, ornate jewellery with precious or semi-precious stones, she advises. Richa Chadha wears stone-studded, ornate jewellery Earthy contrasts Rich jewel tones (sapphire blue or emerald green) and earthy colours (rust red or deep brown) work best with this style. You could wear them in the form of silk pants or a full skirt, paired with a similar-toned or contrasting kurta or blouse with embroidered zardozi elements. Chadha’s look in the series exemplifies how kohl-rimmed eyes and a deep lip can complete the Heeramandi look For a more pared-down look, stick to a monotone base, accentuated by a silk or brocade scarf that features traditional motifs like paisleys or floral designs. For footwear, choose embellished juttis or sandals with intricate embroidery or metallic accents, echoing the detailed craftsmanship in the footwear sported by the show’s cast. Finally, complete the outfit with vibrant lip shades, subtle eye makeup, and an intricate hairstyle — a braided updo, a messy fishtail braid or a gelled vintage hairdo — to complement your overall look. Aditi Rao Hydari wears rich jewel tones and ornate motifs, which are quintessential elements of this aesthetic. Pics courtesy/Instagram The vintage style guide Fabrics: Silk organza, tissue, velvet, brocadeColours: Rich jewel tones and earthy shades with traditional motifsJewellery: Elaborate designs with stone accentsMake-up: Bold lip and kohl-rimmed eyes An all-brocade look by Rao Hydari is a hat-tip to the maximalist overtones of Heeramandi
04 May,2024 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulCity-based educator Dipna Daryanani’s childhood was quite typical; she grew up listening to stories passed down from her grandfather to her father. But unlike most of us who remember them in bits and pieces, she narrates them to this writer vividly, delving into every minute detail, over a short call. The credit, she insists, goes to her father’s interactive storytelling style that engaged all her senses as a child. Tomorrow, Daryanani will hope to bring the same style to life at The Magical Garden, an outdoor interactive musical storytelling session for children and parents. “When I perform tomorrow, I won’t be putting on a character. It’s a recollection of my own childhood, reshaped into a gripping story,” Daryanani reveals. The hour-long open-air performance will witness the artiste narrate personal anecdotes from her summer vacations spent travelling in trains, playing in her grandfather’s backyard, and running errands with her father. “It’s a trip down the memory lane for the parents in the audience; and a window to a simpler life for children who grew up in the city,” she notes. Dipna Daryanani enacts the interactive story at a previous outdoor performance. Pics courtesy/Instagram For instance, the artiste talks about short visits with her grandfather to music CD shops in the 1990s, a memory she holds dear. “Those trips made me feel special; like I was his favourite grandchild. Only as I grew older did I realise that each of his grandkids had similar stories to tell. That’s the magic we talk about in the performance. The magic is in being kind, in playing small, yet significant roles in someone’s life,” the artiste reveals. The 37-year-old will be joined by singer and composer Rohit Das, who will add an acoustic guitar to the mix. In addition to creating waves of rising and falling harmonies on which Daryanani’s stories will sail, Das will occasionally present Bollywood, songs from the 1980s. “Music evokes certain emotions in children, and makes the stories easier to recall later. As for the parents, it takes them back to their childhood, when things were simpler and the magic was easier to find,” she notes, adding that it’s this part where the group usually breaks into a dance and sing-along. Dipna Daryanani This movement, we learn, is an intentional addition to the performance. Daryanani, who also runs Move With Joy, a creative movement class, believes the city deals with a dearth of open spaces, and the underutilisation of those that exist. She elaborates, “Moving in a green, open space impacts your brain chemistry positively. At the performance, we encourage participants to sit down, feel the grass, and move the way they want.” Unlike many children’s stories, this one doesn’t present a happily-ever-after ending to the children; it makes them look for it themselves. A treasure hunt to find a hidden magical object that acts as a MacGuffin to the plot all along is the final chapter of the story. “Children love it when we reveal that the object we talked about is real and can be found. Various versions of the treasure are hidden around the venue. They are symbolic reminders to the children that the magic, as always, lies within them,” she concludes. ON May 5; 5 pmAT Experimental Theatre Garden, NCPA, Nariman Point. AGE GROUP 4 to 7 years LOG ON TO ncpamumbai.comENTRY Rs 750 onwards
04 May,2024 09:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleMANNAT. Worli Koliwada. Siddhivinayak temple. Haji Ali dargah. British author, David Baddiel packed in a proper Mumbai darshan despite a hectic leg of his India tour to promote some of his popular titles, including The Parent Agency, The Taylor Turbochaser and Birthday Boy (HarperCollins). Of course, not without having to negotiate traffic snarls and crowds, which he admits has “gone crazier” since his first visit to India in 2000. “But that isn’t new for you,” he chuckles, during our phone interview earlier this week. “Honestly, I was fascinated about how everyone around me, including my driver, gets excited to catch a glimpse of homes of film and TV actors, especially SRK. I was hoping to spot him, since my hotel was nearby,” his child-like enthusiasm was unmissable throughout the conversation. Minutes into the chat, and we can gauge why his books resonate with young readers. Edited excerpts from an interview. David Baddiel at a promotional event in a Mumbai bookstore. He is working on a graphic novel about a team of British sparrows who don’t normally fly south for the winter; he reveals that he will make sure they visit India on their travels! You are also a comedian, actor, screenwriter and television personality. Do you feed off these professions while writing books?I do different types of things that fall into one bracket — storytelling. It’s one job, one skill. I tell different stories in whichever medium that suits the story; so, if I’m telling jokes, that’s with a microphone in a comedy space; if I am telling a serious story about anti-Semitism, I’ll do that in a non-fiction book or in a serious film; if there is fantasy story where there is magic in it, I’ll choose a children’s book. I am good if I have an idea driving an idea so that it becomes a story; if it has structure, it should take you from one place to the next. You seamlessly straddle writing for grown-ups and young readers. How do you negotiate this contrast?I don’t recognise the boundaries between different types of storytelling. It depends on the idea rather than the genre. When my son Ezra was eight years old, he asked me, ‘Why doesn’t Harry Potter run away from the Dursleys [his adopted family] and find better parents?’ It gave me an idea of a world where children were able to choose their parents. I thought it’s a good children’s story. I was right because it [The Parent Agency] sold half a million copies. I don’t write anything unless I feel energised by the subject. Illustrations featuring Amy Taylor from The Taylor Turbochaser. Illustrations Courtesy/Steven Lenton Your son’s ideas often inspire your writing…Absolutely. In fact, the Harry Potter anecdote is the best example in my career. I had been asked by my publishers in the UK to write books. My children grew up to a point where they were talking to me; I borrowed ideas from them, and also made up stories for them. As Ezra got older, he even asked me to pay him royalty!’ I bought him an iPod and that shut him up! Ezra is 19 now, but at least four of his ideas have become books. My new book, Small Fry, is partly to do with his idea about a brilliant boy chef who makes the best burgers. [With hindsight] I owe Ezra huge amounts of money! Did you take up specific research to develop Amy Taylor, the bright wheelchair-bound protagonist in The Taylor Turbochaser?I wrote it about four years ago, but I feel that now people might say that we need to put the book in front of sensitivity readers, or present it to disabled people, which is perfectly fine. If Ezra doesn’t suggest an idea, a lot of them start with me thinking about what I would like to hear if I was a kid. I imagined pretending to drive my dad’s car that was parked in the driveway. It’s how I thought up Amy — what if I wrote a story about a disabled child who had lost the ability to walk in a car accident but still loved cars and driving? It would be interesting if there was a wheelchair where someone transforms it into a supercar. I knew I was never going to make her a victim who was not devastated by her disability but instead embraces it. She happens to be in a wheelchair that becomes the centre of the story; it is symbolic of her power that her wheelchair becomes a super car. Amy is a sparky, resilient character. Many disabled kids and their parents thanked me for writing a book with a disabled child as its hero. There is no happy ending in the expected way, where she gets cured. She stays disabled. In the book, Amy faces typical problems that have nothing to do with her disability. Sam Green is another interesting protagonist in Birthday Boy...All of the kids [in my children’s books] are me. To borrow a line from another book I wrote [for grown-ups] — and I don’t know how you feel about this — all of us are pretending to be adults. We grow old but, in our hearts, we feel we are 12, 13- or 14-years old forever. We have responsibilities, and have to learn things. Still, in terms of hopes, dreams and desires, they stay pretty childish. As a children’s writer and comedian, I have the licence to access the child in me and express myself. Like Amy, Sam was also an imagined idea where I had a basic childish desire to have my birthday every day. With The Parent Agency, it was about dipping into my childhood experiences, where my parents were unbelievably neglectful… Do you have any advice for today’s parents who are clueless or disinterested about raising their kids?My parents were somewhat clueless and disinterested in raising their kids, and I turned out — kind of — okay. My advice would be that there isn’t a right or wrong way to parent, but that children tend to have amazingly imaginative and interesting minds so what parents should be doing is engaging with those minds and enjoying them, rather than feeling perhaps that it’s their duty, or difficult. I recommend joint reading of books because it’s a good way to engage with your kid.
04 May,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona FernandezHighlighting the conservation of leopards and the efforts taken by Mumbai’s photographers for this initiative, a photo exhibition titled Wild & Wonderful: The Leopards of Mumbai, opens in a Malad mall today. “Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and Maharashtra Forest Department have been researching the habitat of leopards in SGNP, Aarey Milk Colony and the adjoining areas to focus on the conservation of the species. They had installed camera traps with remote sensors along with some DSLR camera traps to take realistic, artful images of the leopards. The two organisations were the ones who came up with this idea and several contributors joined them,” says Ranjeet Jadhav, mid-day’s special correspondent who is also a part of the team helping the Forest Department monitor leopard activity at Aarey Milk Colony. Three leopards captured through a DSLR camera trap at Aarey Milk Colony. Pic/Ranjeet Jadhav The exhibition showcases 18 photographs captured over five years by 15 photographers, and includes Jadhav’s work as well as frames by Ashish Rane, mid-day’s photo editor and Pradeep Dhivar, principal photographer. An image by Nayan Khanolkar, a wildlife conservation photographer who has won several international awards, will also be a part of this exhibition. A volunteer will be present throughout to explain the backstories of each photograph. The images narrate a visual story of how leopards peacefully coexist in the city along with humans. Two leopards relax while cuddling in the chilly winter in Aarey Forest. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar Nikit Surve, biologist from Wildlife Conservation Society India will conduct a talk about the tales of Mumbai leopards on both days. He mentions that this exhibition hopes to break the negative perception around the big cat, “With news that we read about leopards, people usually associate them with fear. We are trying to show that they are different from the way humans perceive them.” Till: Tomorrow; 11 am to 9 pmAt: Inorbit Mall, New Link Road, Malad West
03 May,2024 04:53 PM IST | Mumbai | Aditi ChavanFan chants in Mumbai have long been synonymous with the spirited chorus that emerges from the famous North Stand at Wankhede Stadium every season. This weekend, however, a new chant will echo; not from the stadium, but from homes, pubs, and screenings of the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) finals. Fans set off blue smoke to welcome the Mumbai team in Goa in April “Oh Amcha junoon… We are the Islanders, and we bleed blue!” goes the official chant of the Mumbai City FC (MCFC) who will take on East Coast rivals, Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) in a battle of the table toppers tomorrow. Live or nothingAkshay Dutia, 31, chartered accountant I’ll be travelling to Kolkata with 15 fans from the West Coast Brigade this weekend. We plan to welcome the team bus at the venue with our personalised chants to boost their morale pre-game. This has been our matchday ritual at every game we attend. MBSG are a tough team to analyse and crack. Scottish forward Jason Cummings paired with Anirudh Thapa can be a lethal combination. Hopefully, our head coach Petr Kratky has a plan to tackle that. Prediction: Mumbai City FC 2–0 Mohun Bagan Super Giant It’s coming homeSunetra Mukherjee, 20, biotechnology student This fixture is a personal one because it brings out a rivalry between me and my dad. He is an MBSG fan, and I’m a loyal MCFC supporter. It’s an official vada pav vs rasgulla night for us. On a serious note, this season has been a rollercoaster. From early transfers involving rival teams to managerial hitches along the way, we have somehow managed to come out strong. Moments from the semi-final against FC Goa My eyes are on Lallianzuala Chhangte AKA Mizo Flash, and his chemistry with striker Jorge Pereyra Díaz. On the other end, I’m praying for a disciplined display of defence, like our previous game with FC Goa in the semi-finals. Prediction: Mumbai City FC 2–1 Mohun Bagan Super Giant The midfield battleJayesh Solanki, 19, student We have a strong record against our rivals but MBSG are the table toppers for a reason. It’s going to be a showdown of individual encounters. MCFC’s Vikram Pratap Singh against the Indian football veteran Shubhasish Bose will be exciting. The deciding factor might be the midfield encounters of Lalengmawia AKA Apuia Ralte against the likes of Joni Kauko and Deepak Tangri. It’s going to be a nail-biter. For neutral spectators, it’s 90 minutes of pure entertainment. Prediction: Mumbai City FC 2–1 Mohun Bagan Super Giant A threat down underShannon Nogueira, 27, teacher and core member, West Coast Brigade official supporters’ club With our former head coach Des Buckingham leaving mid-season, we still managed to make it to the finals. As a true-blue Mumbai fan, that’s a massive achievement in itself. As for the finals, I’m confident the title is ours based on our previous encounters with MBSG where we have emerged victorious almost on every occasion barring the recent shield loss. Their Aussie powerhouse Dimitri Petratos can pose a threat, but I place my faith in our defenders to tackle it well. I usually travel to witness such matches live, but due to personal commitments, I will be heading to a local screening with other supporters. Prediction: Mumbai City FC 2–1 Mohun Bagan Super Giant Chemistry is keyArundhati Mane, 30, trade analyst The rivalry between the coasts isn’t recent. Winning the trophy by trouncing MBSG in their own backyard is something every Mumbai fan is secretly looking forward to; especially after losing the shield by a fine margin to them at the same venue earlier this year. The chemistry between defender Rahul Bheke, midfielder Jayesh Rane and forward Chhangte will pave the way to the 18-yard box, and hopefully to the title as well. I’m heading to a screening with my fingers crossed and my lucky match-day scarf. Prediction: Mumbai City FC 2–0 Mohun Bagan Super Giant Catch the grand finale live here >> TAP RestobarAT Juhu; Bandra and Andheri.CALL 42631000 >> The Studs - Sports Bar and GrillAT Unit 2, Centrum IT Park, Wagle Industrial Estate, Thane West.CALL 9602299696 >> Poco Loco TownAT Kapoor Mansion, 9, NS Patkar Marg, Gamdevi.CALL 9321598326 >> Irish HouseAT Lower Parel, Bandra, Andheri, Malad, Thane.CALL 7045695002 Get match-ready >> Wear the badgeFlaunt your love for the Islanders with customised phone covers, keychains, and pin badges.LOG ON TO macmerise.com >> Sing alongFind all the latest chants in this handy digital guidebook to get performance-ready for the weekend.LOG ON TO @westcoastbrigade for details >> Dress for the dayWear your loyalty on your sleeve with a wide range of official Mumbai City FC apparel including sweatshirts, t-shirts and hoodies.LOG ON TO fancode.com
03 May,2024 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleFor Aren Longkumer, co-owner of the Andheri-based Naga Belly, the last week has been a happy one. In 2020, Longkumer and her business partner Zhuvikali Assumi set out to introduce the city of Mumbai to the flavours from the North East, specifically Nagaland. This week, the duo has been busy prepping for a menu that is special, even by Naga culinary standards. “Nagaland is rightly known as the ‘land of festivals,’ where tribal celebrations occur throughout the year, aligning with the changing seasons. This week marks the celebration of Moatsu, the spring festival,” Longkumer reveals. A community festival among the Ao tribe in the state, Moatsu is often celebrated from May 1 to May 3 post the sowing of seeds. “Moatsu marks a significant juncture in the agricultural calendar, signifying the completion of planting and the commencement of the growing season,” she points out. Traditionally, the regions of Nagaland were heavily forested and mountainous. To cultivate agriculture, the tribe and villagers have to undergo toil to clear up the fields and clean up the tsubus (wells) in the days leading to the festival. The three-day celebration is a respite after the hard work. It marks the end of the toil and is accompanied by prayers for good growth of crops, shares Longkumer who also hails from the Ao tribe. Assumi adds, “The festival is not just about agricultural rituals; it’s also a time for community bonding and cultural pride. Competitive games add an element of excitement, while cultural performances showcase the rich traditions of the Ao Naga tribe.” Chicken amruso and Black sesame panna cotta No good celebration can be complete without food. In the past, Longkumer reveals, most villages would rear Mithun (a species of wild ox) that would be served as a sacrifice at the festival along with pork, chicken and ox. “That’s not likely these days, so pork and chicken become key ingredients,” she says. It is this food that the duo is presenting for a special Moatsu menu at Naga Belly that concludes today. While chicken, pork and fish form a key part of the cuisine, vegetables are also mainstays of the festive delicacies. “Our menu features specialties of the Ao tribe, including dishes like anishi [patties of fermented colocasia leaves, sun-dried or slow cooked over bamboo fire], amruso and rosep [a dish of boiled vegetables, dry fish and bamboo shoots], that hold significant cultural importance and are cherished for their flavours and traditional preparation methods,” shares Longkumer. (From left) Aren Longkumer and Zhuvikali Assumi These traditional methods of preparation also add to their flavour and set them apart from any dishes in the mainland, Assumi remarks. “Unlike some other cultures, we don’t have a tradition of frying food. Instead, all our food is prepared by steaming it in bamboo tubes, a method called ‘pongsen’. Even the meat is steamed and cooked in its own meat lard,” she explains. Another key ingredient to the festival is fermented rice beer. “The rice beer is fermented for months in the run up to the festival, and shared around the village during the celebrations,” Longkumer shares. But does it have a draw for Mumbaikars, we wonder? It does not matter, says the restaurateur. “It’s an opportunity for cultural exchange, fostering connections and friendships across communities. People can gain a deeper understanding of the traditions, values, and practices of the Naga community. It’s like sharing a delicious biscuit of cultural knowledge with everyone who attends.” Till: Today Time Noon to 4 pm; 6.30 pm to 11 pmAt: Naga Belly, Four Bungalows, Andheri West. Call: 9321987470 A touch of grandmother’s cooking Moatsu carries memories of my grandmother’s servings of anishi. It’s a special dish for me as she would always welcome me home with all the yummy dishes, without forgetting the anishi — my favourite. Then, there is fish in bamboo shoots (right) or rosep, a special vegetable stew. We make it with everything from eggplant, string beans or karela, cooked together with meat or fish. Every time I make it for myself, or for my friends who are away from home, or people in the city, it gives me a chance to relive my childhood. Chuba Jamir, founder, Naga Chukka cloud kitchen Call: 9769818032Log on to: @naga_chukka
03 May,2024 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarArt will heal Use art as an effective tool to relax and calm your mind. Never mind if you’re a beginner, this art meditation session will tap into the power of creativity through a guided approach and techniques to encourage self-expression. On May 4; 12 pm At Rekdi Club, Acme Ozone, Manpada, Thane West. Log on to insider.in Cost Rs 1,499 Exhale, energise Sound immersion combines vocals, soundscapes and structures to create a unique, calming atmosphere. At this Dhrupad x Ableton session by facilitators Sahitya Rajagopal and Harsha Gandhi, participants will be able to enter deeper states of listening and relaxation with old and new sounds of music. On May 4; 12 pm At G5A Warehouse, Mahalaxmi West. Log on to insider.in Cost Rs 499 onwards Gaze at the stars Sign up for a peaceful weekend at Dehene under the New Moon sky where stars lit up the night sky and you get to discover and spot the Northern Hemisphere Constellations with the help of telescopes and experts. On May 3; 11 am onwardsAt Dehene site, Asangaon. Log on to insider.in Cost Rs 1,699: 4 to 8 years/ Rs 1,999: adult (with your vehicle); R1,999: 4 to 8 years/ Rs 2,299: adults (Asangaon: return trip)
02 May,2024 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamHeard melodies are sweet, said the poet John Keats. Then again, Keats would be aghast at the bombardment of visual stimulation that an individual today goes through. For filmmakers, the saturation of the visual experience can prove challenging. The alternative lies in sound, suggests filmmaker Neelansh Mittra. Mittra will join Vedvanti Kasture today at the screening of their two sound documentaries at the Alliance Française de Bombay to highlight how the medium of sound can be just as effective a tool in conveying complex stories. Both, Mittra and Kasture, are the Indian laureates of the International Sound Documentary Programme held at ENS Louis Lumière in Paris in 2023. Founded in 2021, the scholarship aims to explore the medium of sound to tell stories, says Meera Krishnan, deputy attaché of the audio-visual sector, French Institute in India. The team records at the L’ As du Fallafel restaurant The novelty of working with sound was what spurred Mittra on to make L’expérience de ses fantômes/ The Sound Of The Ghosts. “The closest reference, I suppose, is a podcast. But a podcast follows a set narrative structure. A sound documentary is simply a documentary that is rid of the visual image,” the Delhi-based filmmaker explains. Kasture adds that sound takes on the role of the key narrative tool in this genre. The subject of the narration also plays a key part. Mittra shares that almost all the students in the programme were drawn to tales of migrants. “We wanted to work on a thriller, a script that is spooky. During our research, my co-director, Yasmine Mahjoubi, and I struck upon the story of Eva, a Spanish tour guide living in Paris. She conducts tours on the dark and violent history of medieval Paris. Her passion and sense of storytelling intrigued and compelled us,” he shares. Vedvanti Kasture “We [co-director Raghad Kasim and Kasture] were taken by the dish of falafel. It has a complex history between the Jewish and Middle-Eastern communities in Paris. I found the history and cultural thread of displaced people claiming ownership of food fascinating,” Kasture adds. Yet, how does one find the grammar of filmmaking in sound? “There are similarities. For instance, what is a wide-shot in visual filmmaking will be the ambience in a sound medium. As you focus in on the character, you zone in on a particular sound,” Mittra points out. This also opens up, Kasture shares, unexplored facets of a story. “I have always been fascinated by the soundscape of a kitchen; it can be quite chaotic while food is being made, only for the same food to be served in a place of calm, quiet conversation,” she laughs. Moments from behind the scenes of Mittra’s sound documentary recording sessions in Paris These experiences and learnings will be a part of the post-screening sessions at the event. “The idea is to introduce participants and viewers to a new experience,” says Krishnan. For the filmmakers though, it is the joy of discovering something anew. “The larger impulse is born out of the idea of a unique form that compels to evoke the imagination of the listener,” shares Mittra. Neelansh Mittra ON Today; 6.30 pm onwards AT Alliance Française de Bombay, Theosophy Hall, Marine Lines. LOG ON TO linktr.ee/afmumbai
02 May,2024 09:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThere's nothing quite refreshing as a tall glass of thick cold coffee on a sunny afternoon. But as anyone with lactose intolerance will agree, there’s nothing quite as unpleasant as what follows either. This writer struck gold when he discovered Only Earth, a packaged non-dairy milkshake that uses oat milk as a plant-based alternative. The handy 200 ml packs of Belgian chocolate and cold coffee milkshakes (Rs 75) are a fun occasional drink to have on the go. While the grainy aftertaste of oats does come through occasionally, this writer suggests focusing on the smaller wins. Available Zepto
02 May,2024 09:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThursday Laugh out loudComedy: For this Comedy Roulette, comics like Nivedita Prakasam (below) and Raghav Thakkar will take turns to make the evening entertaining. Time 8 pm At The Habitat, 1st floor, Hotel Uncontinental, Khar West. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 300 Friday Representation pic Clay timeWorkshop: Kickstart the weekend on an artistic note with an hour-long, immersive pottery workshop led by an expert. Time 12 pm to 8 pmAt Dorangos, Bandra West. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com (for booking a slot) Entry Rs 699 Saturday Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons Play like an EgyptianKids: For a shift from the virtual reality, get your children to create the ancient Egyptian board game, Mehen. Time 11.30 am to 1 pmAt CSMVS, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort. EMAIL events@csmvs.in (to register) Cost (revealed upon registration) Plug in to the musicShopping: Head to Furtados for a sale on some top-of-the-line equipment like the FGN Electric Odyssey series (above). Pick up tips from their modern jazz techniques tutorial magazines. The offer ends this week. Till May 5 LOG ON TO furtadosonline.com; outlets at Andheri West, Bandra and Marine Lines. Call 2242875060 Sunday Let’s walk the Borivali talkWalk: If you are tired of the apathy around the city’s civic structures, this walk will offer new insight into the urban planning of Borivali. Walk from the railway station to Sanjay Gandhi National Park.Time 8.30 am MEETING POINT Borivali Station East. Call 9821881181 Log on to walkingproject.org/activities (RSVP is mandatory)Free Pic Courtesy/Instagram New menu callingFood: We suggest that you head to Khar to tuck into Turkish manti (above), chicken adobo, kataif French toast and Imambayildi, among other culinary delights on Olive Bar and Kitchen’s new menu influenced by their chef’s travels to Turkey and the Middle East. Time 12 pm to 12 am At Olive Bar & Kitchen, Union Park, Khar West. Call 7208478228
02 May,2024 09:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi Doshi | Shriram IyengarADVERTISEMENT
